FOLSOM, CA - More than 200 physicians and employees of Kaiser Permanente celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Folsom Medical Offices, an outpatient clinic on Iron Point Road.

At the celebration on Wednesday, Oct. 24, staff and guests gathered in a conference room decorated in a rodeo theme enjoying the music by a guitarist and fiddler, watched skits presented by fellow workers, ate vegetarian and beef hamburgers and listened to speeches from leaders and elected officials.

Nearly 60 physicians and more than 250 support staff work in the building where members receive outpatient services including pediatrics, women’s health, adult medicine, optometry, optical sales, radiology, pharmacy and laboratory services.

“I was thrilled when we first approved the building here. I am absolutely thrilled that you are here, and I want to congratulate you on all of your success,” said Howell. “I want to thank Kaiser Permanente and all of the people who are so important to our community.”

When the building opened, 44,000 members were connected to the facility. Today, about 55,000 members access the building for their primary care medical needs, Garcia said.

During the lunchtime anniversary celebration, Anthony Retodo, MD, the Folsom medical services director, handed dozens of 10-year commemorative certificates to employees and doctors who have worked there for a decade.

“I feel honored and privileged to work in this building with so many talented individuals,” Retodo said. “This celebration is important for Kaiser Permanente, and for the city of Folsom, because it recognizes our mission, which is to improve the health of the communities in which we serve.”

He said the rodeo-themed party also reflects the long history of Folsom.

“Kaiser is a pioneer organization,” Retodo said. “As we keep making these big strides, we will continue making history with Folsom.”
In his remarks to employees, Retodo noted the similarities between the founding of Folsom and the founding of Kaiser Permanente.

“As much as Folsom was founded in the pioneering spirit, Kaiser Permanente in Folsom hopes to continue that pioneering innovation and be the model for health care in this great city and nation,” he said.

The celebration also was a reunion for employees who attended the dedication in 2002.

“It is exciting to be here to celebrate our presence in Folsom,” said Ed Glavis, Kaiser Permanente’s senior vice president and area manager for Roseville. “Just 10 years ago I was here when we cut the ribbon and opened this facility, and I am pleased to see the success of our staff over these last 10 years.”

Locals are also impressed with the facility and its presence in Folsom.

“We have been going to Kaiser for almost 60 years and I could not imagine going anywhere but Kaiser,” Earlene Blake, 81, of Rancho Murieta. “They are absolutely wonderful. It’s been nice having this Folsom location open for the past 10 years. It’s a lot closer to us.”

Franklyn Spencer, 82, of El Dorado Hills, said he has used the Folsom office since it has been open.

“I have no complaints, I’ve been coming to the Folsom office for the entire 10 years,” Spencer said. “They really treat me well here.”